Intercostal Mobilization and Respiratory Outcomes

Abant Izzet Baysal University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Healthy Volunteers

Treatments: Procedure: Sham intercostal mobilization; Other: Rest; Procedure: Intercostal mobilization

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07352722

AIBU-FTR-ST-07

Details and patient eligibility

About

This cross-sectional study was planned to investigate the effects of intercostal mobilization on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function parameters, and performance in the ascending speed shuttle walking test. The study will be conducted in a prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blind design. A total of 90 healthy volunteers aged between 18-30 years with a sedentary lifestyle will be included in the study. The individuals will be divided into 3 groups as Intercostal Mobilization Group (n=30), Sham Application Group (n=30) and Control Group (n=30) by simple randomization. Sociodemographic Data Form, Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, Pulmonary Function Test, Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement (MIP/MEP), Incremental Shuttle Walking Test will be applied to the individuals before the intervention. After the intervention, only pulmonary function tests, respiratory muscle strength measurement and ISWT will be repeated. The study results are expected to contribute to the development of new evidence-based approaches to respiratory rehabilitation

Full description

Breathing is one of the most fundamental biological functions that sustain life. The intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide are essential for sustaining life. Today, respiratory system diseases are among the major health problems worldwide, and according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, they are expected to be the third leading cause of death by 2030. Typical symptoms of these diseases include shortness of breath, coughing, depression/anxiety, fatigue, and pain. The intercostal muscles, which are among the muscles that assist in breathing, are located in the spaces between the ribs and play an important role in the expansion and contraction of the chest cavity. The external intercostal muscles are active during inspiration, while the internal intercostal muscles are active during expiration. The optimal strength and flexibility of these muscles directly affect the efficiency of lung ventilation. Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) is a treatment approach based on the holistic relationship between body structure and function, aiming to increase structural mobility through various manual techniques. The American Osteopathic Academy describes OMT as a series of techniques focused on the principle that body structure and function are interdependent. Although OMT is not yet included among the standard treatment approaches for respiratory system diseases, it is gaining increasing attention as a complementary method to support thoracic mobility and lung function (intervertebral joints, costovertebral joints, bone structure, all ligaments, muscles, and fascia). The literature reports that applications targeting the intercostal region have positive effects such as an increase in tidal volume, improvement in chest expansion, and a decrease in dyspnea levels. Furthermore, it is stated that increased muscle activity in the intercostal muscles may lead to improvements in respiratory volume and capacity. However, the number of randomized controlled trials designed to attribute these effects solely to intercostal mobilization and conducted on young, healthy individuals is quite limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of intercostal mobilization applications on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory function parameters, and performance in the increased-rate shuttle run test. Conducted using a randomized controlled design, this research aims to contribute to the development of evidence-based new approaches to respiratory rehabilitation.

Enrollment: 90 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 30 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Be between 18 and 30 years old,
• Have a sedentary lifestyle,
• Be willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• History of neurological, orthopedic, or cardiopulmonary disease that could affect respiratory function,
• Refusal to participate in the study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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90 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group

Intercostal Mobilization Group

Experimental group

Treatment:

Procedure: Intercostal mobilization

Sham Group

Sham Comparator group

Treatment:

Procedure: Sham intercostal mobilization

Control Group

Placebo Comparator group

Treatment:

Other: Rest